Leading councillors are backing proposals for an in-patient centre for people with learning disabilities and mental health problems.

Coun John McCabe, chairman of the Hebburn Community Area Forum, and vice chairman Coun Nancy Maxwell say proposals for a £5m assessment and treatment centre in Hebburn will be good news for South Tyneside.

South Tyneside and Gateshead Primary Care Trusts are consulting on the plans and residents can find out more at the Community Area Forum meeting at 10am on January 22 at Lukes Lane Community Association.

While Hebburn Hospital, off Victoria Road West, is the preferred site for the facility other locations were considered by the PCTs.